Borax has proved a most effective remedy in certain forms of colds. In
sudden hoarseness or loss of voice in public speakers or singers, from
colds, relief for an hour or so may be obtained by slowly dissolving,
and partially swallowing, a lump of borax the size of a garden pea, or
about three or four grains held in the mouth for ten or fifteen
minutes before speaking or singing. This produces a profuse secretion
of saliva or "watering" of the mouth and throat, just as wetting
brings back the missing notes to a flute when it is too dry.
A flannel dipped in boiling water and sprinkled with turpentine, laid
on chest as quickly as possible, will relieve the most severe cold or
hoarseness.
Another simple, pleasant remedy is furnished by beating up the white
of one egg, adding to it the juice of one lemon, and sweetening with
white sugar to taste. Take a teaspoonful from time to time. It has
been known to effectually cure the ailment.
Or bake a lemon or sour orange twenty minutes in a moderate oven. When
done, open at one end and take out the inside. Sweeten with sugar or
molasses. This is an excellent remedy for hoarseness.
An old time and good way to relieve a cold is to go to bed and stay
there, drinking nothing, not even water, for twenty-four hours, and
eating as little as possible. Or go to bed, put your feet in hot
mustard and water, put a bran or oatmeal poultice on the chest, take
ten grains of Dover's powder, and an hour afterwards a pint of hot
gruel; in the morning, rub the body all over with a coarse towel, and
take a dose of aperient medicine.
Violet, pennyroyal or boneset tea, is excellent to promote
perspiration in case of sudden chill. Care should be taken next day
not to get chilled by exposure to fresh out-door air.